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𝗜𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗺 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮 𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗺. The Official Student Media of Philippine Normal University Mindanao

The Torch Mindanao is an autonomous, student-led organization dedicated to serving the academic community and the wider public. Anchored in the principles of being pro-student and pro-people, it is committed to meeting the dynamic needs of its readership while steadfastly adhering to the highest standards of journalistic integrity and ethics. The publication is devoted to advancing the rights and

welfare of both students and the public, and to nurturing the growth of informed, responsible, and engaged student leaders and journalists. The Torch Mindanao operates from its office located at the Philippine Normal University Mindanao, Poblacion, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

25/08/2026

𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦

Please be advised that official updates regarding your application status have now been 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘃𝗶𝗮 𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹.

We encourage all applicants to check their inbox, as well as their spam or junk folders, to ensure no important announcements are missed. Kindly continue to monitor your email regularly for any subsequent notices, updates, or potential cancellations. Thank you for your patience as we advance through the selection process.

23/08/2026

𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 | Guardians on Three Wheels

Around the university, tricycle drivers are familiar faces waiting along the road, ready to take students, faculty, staff, and other members of the university community where they need to go. They are there in the early hours, during busy afternoons, and even late at night when the campus begins to grow quiet.

For students, their connection with these drivers can last for years. From the excitement of being a freshman to the tiring days of completing requirements, exams, and countless school tasks, these drivers are often there to witness it all. They see students arrive full of energy, leave exhausted after a long day, and return the next morning to begin another one.

They also witness the people behind the university—the faculty and staff who spend long hours working before finally making their way home. Through ordinary rides and long waits, these drivers become quiet witnesses to the lives of the people they carry.
Their work may seem simple: wait, drive, and bring passengers to their destinations. But for the university community, their presence has become part of the journey.
For years, they may have been there without ever being noticed.

They have seen freshmen become graduating students. They have carried people on their happiest days and on days when all they wanted was to get home and rest. They have witnessed tired faces, busy mornings, late nights, conversations, silence, and the small moments in between.

Perhaps that is what makes their role special. They do not teach inside classrooms, work behind university offices, or stand in front of lecture halls. But they have been quietly present in the everyday journeys of the people who do.

Written by Kyra Porio
Photos by Shelou Ebanos and Michael Gumalan
Layout by Jervin Daño

22/08/2026

“𝘓𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘨, 𝘬𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘺 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘬𝘰 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘨.”
“Dili na ta moutro atong 3 consecutive exhausting events, langlang ha?”

Kay murag wala pa gani ta naka-recover sa usa, naa na pud ang sunod. Booth-making, 58th Anniversary, Enchanted Acquaintance Party, ASEAN Day, unsa na mani, PNU? Event week or endurance test? Charezzz!

But maybe this is also the kind of exhaustion we’ll look back on and laugh about someday. The rushed preparations, last-minute changes, running from one thing to another, laughing through the chaos, and somehow still showing up even when we were already running on empty. 𝗪𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲. 𝗪𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴.

And now that the festivities are finally over, are we ready to face our next adversary? Because apparently, physical exhaustion was not enough. 𝗠𝗜𝗗𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗠𝗦 𝗡𝗔 𝗣𝗨𝗗.

So, before we start questioning every life decision we made this week, maybe it’s time to exchange the event outfits for study clothes, the cameras for reviewers, and the “𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘢 𝘢𝘬𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘶𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘯?” to “𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘢 𝘢𝘬𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘪-𝘵𝘶𝘣𝘢𝘨?”

Good luck, PNUans! May our brains remember at least half of what we studied, and may the exam questions be merciful. And if you’re feeling a little drained, remember: we made it through one very busy week. 𝗪𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲, 𝘁𝗼𝗼. 𝗣𝗮𝗱𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗻, 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴. 𝗞𝗮𝘆𝗮 𝗽𝗮 𝗻𝗶 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼.

Caption by Earl Tabuan
Illustration by John Paul Nacario

21/08/2026

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | PNU Mindanao Embarks on Stronger Push for Internationalization

PNU Mindanao brought together representatives from different academic programs and offices for the PNU Mindanao Internationalization Summit on August 20, 2026, at the Accreditation Room of PNU Mindanao.

With the theme “Strengthening Institutional Capacity for World University Rankings,” the summit focused on helping the university understand the requirements and indicators used in world university rankings and how each program can contribute to the institution’s internationalization efforts.

The activity started with the preliminaries and the university’s Vision, Mission, and Quality Policy. This was followed by the opening remarks of Adelyne M. Costelo-Abrea, PhD, Executive Director and Provost.

Ferilyn L. Matondo, PhD, Head of the Extension, Alumni, Linkages, and Internationalization Unit, then presented the purpose of the summit and introduced Prof. Bryan C. Dayuta, Director for Linkages and Internationalization Office. Prof. Dayuta also discussed the different indicators, institutional data, and data requirements needed for university world rankings.

The different academic programs presented their respective outputs based on the discussions and activities during the summit. The presentations allowed each program to share their outputs and possible contributions toward the university’s internationalization goals.

The presentations were followed by an open forum where participants were given the opportunity to raise questions, share insights, and clarify concerns related to internationalization and world university rankings.

The summit ended with the Ways Forward and Closing Remarks delivered by Elvira V. Chua, PhD, Director for Research, Extension, Quality Assurance, and Development.

The activity highlighted the importance of collaboration across different programs and offices as PNU Mindanao continues its efforts to strengthen its institutional capacity and pursue greater global recognition.

Article by Shareena Capon
Photo Credit to Mr. Junrie Balbin

18/08/2026

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | Graduate community highlights diversity, innovation at PNU Mindanao's 58th anniversary

Graduate students and faculty members of Philippine Normal University Mindanao gathered at CCF1 on Sunday, August 16, for Graduate Students’ Day, one of the activities held for the university’s 58th Founding Anniversary celebration.

The celebration carried the theme, "Pagpalig-on sa Multikultural ug Inobatibong Edukasyon: Nagkahiusang Paglawig Padulong sa Masaganong Ika-60 Nga Annibersaryo," highlighting multicultural and innovative education as the university looks toward its 60th anniversary two years from now.

In her message, Dr. Lyzyl Lopez-Banuag, Dean for Academics and the Hub, emphasized that graduate education should extend beyond the pursuit of academic credentials and develop students' capacity to respond to the changing realities of education in Mindanao and beyond.

"We should therefore not only enrich your credentials, but also deepen your capacity to address the complex and changing realities of education in Mindanao, and beyond."

Dr. Banuag also underscored the role of the university community in shaping learning beyond formal academic settings.

"This celebration also reminds us that PNU Mindanao is a community of learners. We learn from books, e-books, and classrooms, online or on-site. But we also learn from one another—from our diverse cultures, experiences, communities, and perspectives."

Her remarks reflected the anniversary theme’s emphasis on multiculturalism and innovation, with the celebration bringing together students from various graduate programs and faculty members.

Dr. May Q. Apat, Coordinator of the Graduate Program, meanwhile called on graduate students to remain committed to excellence while embracing innovation and diversity as the university looks toward its future.

"As we celebrate this Graduate Students Day and look ahead to the university’s bright future, may we remain united in our commitment to excellence, empowered by innovation, strengthened by diversity, and inspired by a shared vision for a better tomorrow."

The program also featured an intermission performance by Jessel Divinagracia Taray, who performed 𝘗𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘨𝘵𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘨 𝘛𝘶 𝘠𝘶𝘵𝘢. Taray later led the community song, bringing graduate students and faculty members together in a collective musical performance.

Students from the graduate programs: MAEd-ELE, MAME, MAEd-EdLM, PhD-EdLM, and PhD-ELE also took part in a spirited yell, bringing the programs together in a display of enthusiasm and unity.

The celebration concluded with parlor games that engaged graduate students in collaborative and competitive activities. The games provided an opportunity for students from different graduate programs to interact while fostering teamwork and camaraderie.

Graduate Students' Day formed part of the university's 58th Founding Anniversary celebration, bringing together the graduate community in an event that emphasized multicultural and innovative education, academic development, and participation across graduate programs.

Contributors: Angielyn Montibon, Marry Rose Gallamora, and Vincent Mier
Photos by Albert Ernest Quille Castro

17/08/2026

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗗𝗿. 𝗔𝗱𝗲𝗹𝘆𝗻𝗲 𝗠. 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗼-𝗔𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮!

The Torch Mindanao extends its warmest and heartiest birthday greetings to you on this special day. We join your family, colleagues, and well-wishers in celebrating another remarkable milestone in your life's journey.

Your unwavering dedication, vision, and leadership continue to serve as a beacon of inspiration for our community. Through your enduring contributions, you have touched countless lives and set an inspiring standard of excellence and passion for us all to admire and follow.

As you mark another year, we express our deep gratitude for your steadfast guidance and impact. May this new chapter bring you good health, peace of mind, and the fulfillment of your highest aspirations as you continue to illuminate the path for others.

May your birthday be filled with overwhelming joy, meaningful moments, and warm celebrations. We wish you an extraordinary year ahead, overflowing with continued success, grace, and abundant blessings!

Caption by Charlotte Daguhoy
Layout by Andrey Barlizo

17/08/2026

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | Alumni Join PNU Mindanao’s 58th Founding Anniversary Celebration

Philippine Normal University (PNU) Mindanao alumni came together for the university’s 58th Founding Anniversary Celebration on August 15, participating in various activities held at the PNU Mindanao grounds and Covered Court 1. The gathering highlighted the alumni’s enduring camaraderie, unity, and connection to their alma mater.

The celebration began with a Thanksgiving Mass, followed by a motorcade. The alumni then participated in tree planting, campus tours, games and competitions, and a fellowship lunch.

The evening program commenced with the singing of the national anthem and the offering of a prayer, followed by the PNU Hymn through a multimedia presentation. Dr. Elvira V. Chua, Director for Research, Extension, Quality Assurance, and Development, delivered the welcome address, expressing appreciation for the presence of the alumni. The host batches then presented the opening salvo.

Dr. Ferijilyn L. Matondo, Head of the Extension, Alumni, Linkages, and Internationalisation Unit, introduced the honorary speaker. Prof. Rosario N. Jagonia, former Executive Director of PNU Mindanao, delivered an inspiring message emphasizing the significance of the gathering in commemorating the university’s years of dedication, growth, and service.

A plaque of recognition was presented to the honorary speaker by the PNU Mindanao officials, while the host batches also shared their dedication and acknowledgment of the university’s continuing legacy.

The celebration further featured songs and yells from alumni batches spanning different generations: 1972–1989, 1990–1999, 2000–2009, 2010–2019, and 2020–2026. The turnover of responsibilities was led by Mr. Fernando Fernandez Jr., representative of Batch 2000–2001. Ms. Jofabelle Mae Jalalon, representative of Batch 2002, subsequently accepted the responsibility and delivered her message of commitment.

The program concluded with a fellowship dinner, where alumni shared food, stories, and meaningful conversations, strengthening their bonds with one another and their alma mater. The celebration also featured the much-anticipated selection of Mr. and Ms. Alumni 2026.

Through the gathering, PNU Mindanao alumni from different generations came together to honor their shared history, celebrate the university’s legacy, and reaffirm their continued connection and commitment to their alma mater.

Article by Aleah Tautho
Photos by Shelou Ebanos and Jeremy Noble

17/08/2026

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | PNU Mindanao Shifts to Online Synchronous Classes Due to Extreme Heat

Philippine Normal University Mindanao shifts to online synchronous classes from August 17 to 20, 2026, following an executive order from the Prosperidad municipal mayor that suspends face-to-face instruction due to extreme heat. Furthermore, university officials rescheduled all midterm examinations to August 24 and 25 to prioritize student well-being and allow for sufficient preparation time.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Associate Dean for Faculty of Teacher Development issued a detailed work arrangement memorandum to guide faculty members during the four-day remote learning period. Faculty with one designated NT day must report on-site once during the week, whereas those with two NT days will report on-site twice, with individual faculty members choosing their preferred days while observing standard working hours. On the other hand, faculty without an NT day will work entirely from home, while full-release faculty members continue to report on-site daily.

To ensure continuous academic progress, university heads emphasized that remote learning activities will proceed without interruption.

Accordingly, university administrators urge both faculty and students to strictly adhere to the posted guidelines throughout the suspension period.

Article by Aleah Tautho

15/08/2026

𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 | PNU Mindanao’s 58th Founding Anniversary Day 3 unfolded in a vibrant celebration of unity, excellence, and service. Energetic mass demonstrations lit up the atmosphere, while PNUans received meaningful recognition through PASIDUNGOG 2026. As students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners came together, the celebration honored a legacy built through years of dedication while inspiring the community to move forward toward a greater future.

Anchored by Alexander Robin Capito
Script and Captioned by Junathan Pabia
Shot by Angel Balala, April Bejoc, and Jefferson Morata
Edited by Jefferson Morata
Directed by Roneline Madalo

15/08/2026

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 | PNU Mindanao honored its valued partners, alumni, researchers, and dedicated employees during a recognition ceremony celebrating their invaluable contributions to the institution. The event was held on August 14, 2026, at the Center for Human Resource and Development (CHRD), PNU Mindanao.
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The program recognized Partners and Alumni, Research and Publication awardees, and PNU Mindanao Loyalty Service awardees, recognizing years of dedicated service to advancing PNU Mindanao and shaping future educators.
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The celebration served as a meaningful tribute to the individuals whose dedication, excellence, and enduring service continue to strengthen and uphold the university's legacy.

Photos by Shelou Ebanos and Ben Virtuoso

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